Obituary of George Wilhelm

Dad was a humble man. Boasting made him uncomfortable. He always said, "No eulogy - anyone who comes will know what kind of a man I was.” But we just have to boast a little because we are so proud of him. Dad was a loving husband to Mum and a good provider. They worked side by side on the farm. Then as the farm grew more successful, Mum was able to pursue her other interests that benefitted her family. He thoughtfully planned and built her dream house for her with his own hands. They travelled together often, visiting family near and far. He was an excellent caregiver to her when she needed him the most. Again, his carpentry and welding skills came to good use when the dream house needed modifications to accommodate the changes Mum needed in her last years so she could stay at home as long as possible. He was so sad when she needed to move. He visited Mum almost daily. Then he found the strength to carry on without her. He loved his family so much; so he worked very hard to stay with us as his health failed. His will to live was very strong. Dad was a generous and loving father. He taught us, by example, how to be responsible, dependable and hard working. Our friends thought our Dad spoiled us…and he did! We appreciated everything he ever did for us. We truly understand how lucky we were to have him as our Dad. He supported our life choices without question and was always there to quietly help ensure our successes or help us start over. It didn’t matter how far away we lived from them, Mum and Dad were always there when we needed them. We think his extended family would agree with us. Mum and him always made time to come, offer help, advice, comfort and support. Dad mentored his sons-in-law. He was always willing to come and help with projects or give welcome advice. He knew they were good men. Dad made his own bond with each of them in different ways. He appreciated that all three of his sons-in-law were ready to help him on the farm. He knew he could count on them to take care of his girls. Dad was a proud grandpa. He had a special twinkle in his eye for his grandkids. He liked to gently tease them and some of them loved to tease him back! He loved to slip them money and candy. He made sure he had their favourite treats on hand. He couldn’t bear to hear them cry. He often saved them from their parent’s discipline! The grandkids bonded together and made many special memories in the dream house, at the quonset and in the field. Dad loved that he was able to see so many of his grandchildren grow up, choose their careers and spouses, and start families of their own. He was interested in the younger ones, following their successes in school, sports and music. Dad knew he was lucky to have met his seven great-grandkids and was happy to know another was on the way. They made him beam and smile, even when he wasn’t feeling well. He always had treats for their visits and when they couldn’t visit, he marveled at how technology allowed him to Facetime or Skype with them so he could see them as they grew and changed. He was triple G – Great Grandpa George! He loved all his grandchildren so much. Dad was a family man in every way. He was close to his brothers and sisters and their spouses. He loved all his little sisters-in-law and the men they married. He kept in touch with all his family with regular visits when he was well, and looked forward to phone calls in the later years. He appreciated every visit from them. The farm pulled his brothers back for seeding and harvest and his brothers-in law were ready to lend a hand. He enjoyed those times with them especially side by side in the field. He had a fantastic memory right up to the end and he’d tell us stories about our family history. He could remember dates so well - the farm house was built in 1922. His parents started living there in 1925. The lean-to was added in 1930, the porch and bathroom in 1944. The barn and garage were built in 1928-29 and the windmill was erected in 1935. He recalled that Uncle Dave built our playhouse in 1956. We now have similar memories about building the dream house in 1976-77. Dad, James and Kevin had a great time building that house and we fondly recall the antics of our "summer brother,” Kevin as he played tricks on Mum, Dad and James as the house went up. Before the dream house, Dad and Uncle Clarence built the dream camper. We have so many fond memories of camping trips in that camper and great memories of when the camper became a bunk house for summer brothers and company. In fact, Dad remembered many stories about hired men, cousins, cousin’s kids and his nephews as they came to spend time helping out on the farm. He mentored many of them and the farm and Vanguard became a special place for many of the next generations of Wilhelm’s. The farm was the centerpiece of Dad’s life. He loved the land and took good care of all his farm equipment and vehicles. He had a natural ability for math, welding, and carpentry but the farm was his passion. Marie was the lucky one. She had almost daily contact with Mum and Dad. They grew to rely on her for many things. Marie recalls that Dad was happiest when driving the tractor and combine. Dad was a worrier. Marie remembers a time, one harvest, when Dad said, "Things are going so well, I’m starting to get worried.” James says farming with Dad gave him opportunities to farm in ways he wouldn’t have been able to on his own. He appreciated the opportunity Dad gave him. Dad thought they made a good team. He knew he needed James’ skills, abilities and youth. In later years, Dad would drive in his half-ton and follow the action on the farm. To be able to drive was so important to Dad. In fact he took a road test in October, 2015 and passed. He never wanted to lose the ability to drive but he knew his limits and did not drive when he wasn’t feeling up to it. Deanna recalls the hours and hours growing up she spent riding in the tractor with Dad. Even when she moved from home, she’d come home on weekends and make sure she got her ride on the tractor with Dad. Then Deanna started farming with Bruce and her life came full circle when, one day Dad showed up at her farm and rode the combine with her. From then on, he’d often show up and ride with her. Bruce and Dad had long conversations about farming. Bruce was impressed to find out that Dad was willing to try out new farming techniques and practices over the years, often adopting new ideas before they became common practices. Cheryl’s favourite memories are of the times she got Mum and Dad off the farm to visit her in Saskatoon and Ottawa. Even though Dad didn’t enjoy heights, he never let that stop him from getting on the elevator of the Peace Tower on Parliament Hill to see the view of our nation’s capital. But in the end, Cheryl felt the pull of home and moved closer to Mum and Dad to raise her family with Bob. Bob grew up in Saskatoon, but soon became fascinated with farm life and enjoyed helping out when he could. He admired Dad’s work ethic and learned that farming is truly a way of life. He was a good daddy. He loved it when we would comb his hair and even let us put curlers in his hair. We would lay with him on the couch or on the floor and watch the Wonderful World of Disney, Bonanza and the Red Skelton Show. Dad and Mum taught us to old-time dance to records in the living room. We remember taking off his work boots at the end of a long day in the field. For the past three months as Dad’s health declined, we sat with him, brushed his hair, helped him shave, reminisced, watched movies, listened to old-time music and helped him take off his shoes. Full circle. We love you and miss you already Dad. Love Marie, Deanna & Cheryl and families Words cannot express our deepest thanks and appreciation to the following:  For their wonderful care for Dad over the years: o The Cypress House Staff, Swift Current, SK o Shirley Ann Friesen & Icare Team, Swift Current, SK o The Bentley Staff, Swift Current, SK o Janice Thierren, Darla McGillvary & Home Care Staff o Sherry Hornung, Jan Hornung, & Vanguard Health Centre Staff o Dr. Kassett & Herbert Hospital Staff o Dr. Andrea Wood, Swift Current, SK  Carolann Buehler for the Prayer Vigil; Intentions: Tracy Haack; Altar Server: Jeff Hornung; Communion Ministers: Darla Wilhelm & Jim Lawson; Ushers: Wayne Gerla, Todd Wilhelm, Dean Haack, & Gary Hornung  Tom & Gloria Dennehy for the wonderful music  St. Joseph’s CWL for the delicious lunch  Piche Hawkins Grondin Funeral Chapel for their caring support  All our family, friends and neighbours for the food, cards, flowers, prayers, masses, visits and memorial donations.  All the neighbours, friends and family who came and visited Dad and helped Dad in any way especially after Mom left us.  All the grandchildren for pallbearers, reading, offertory, and all your love and support for Grandpa over the years. George Joseph Wilhelm September 30, 1928 – March 29, 2016 George Joseph Wilhelm of Vanguard, SK, passed away peacefully in his sleep on March 29, 2016 at the Cypress House in Swift Current, SK. George was born in Vanguard on September 30, 1928 to John and Mary (Haubrich) Wilhelm. He was the eldest (surviving) of five brothers and 2 sisters. George grew up on his family farm, northeast of Vanguard, where he developed his life-long love of farming. He received his education at Malvern Link School. He attended a two week agricultural school in 1945 where he learned agricultural practices. George was a self-taught carpenter and a skilled welder. He started out farming with his Dad. George started renting Dominion Life Land in 1947 and purchased his first half-section of land for $4200 in 1950. George married Eileen Bolen on October 4, 1954 at St Elizabeth’s Church, west of Gravelbourg. Together, they raised three daughters on their family farm. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus and St. Joseph’s Parish Council. Over the years, George farmed with his brothers, daughters, sons-in-law and grandson. He employed and educated many nephews, cousins, and hired men on his farm. George built Eileen her dream home in Vanguard in 1977. George never really retired from farming. He maintained his interest, participation and love of farming right up to the end. Although, it was hard to get George off the farm, he and Eileen enjoyed travelling throughout Canada and the United States to visit family. Due to health reasons, George moved to Swift Current in 2013. George is survived by his three daughters: Marie (James Burton), Deanna (Bruce Buller), and Cheryl (Robert Hale); his twelve grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren: Heidi (Russ Broccolo); Andrea (John Beckman) and their children Jameson and Addison; Lindsay (Garrett Dell) and their children Ryden and Grady; Shaundra Burton; Natasha (Shane Jahnke) and their children Savannah and Colt; Curtis (Lindsay) Haubrich; Troy (Kiera) Haubrich and their son Cooper; Paige Haubrich; Mackenzie and Mikayla Buller; Jackson and Tanner Wilhelm Hale. George is also survived by his brothers and sisters: Elma Rae, Clarence (Lorraine) Wilhelm, Eileen Gerla, and Ron (Darla) Wilhelm and Eileen’s sisters: Marilyn (Leo Haack), Lorraine Bolen, Sharon (John Desjardins), Bernadette (Gilles Soucy), Carolann (Mel Buehler), Valerie Brooks, brother-in-law Len Johnson and numerous nieces and nephews. George is predeceased by his wife, Eileen (2006); his grandson John Anton; his parents John and Mary Wilhelm; his parents-in-law, Adam and Frances Bolen; his brothers Len, Allan, and Donald Wilhelm; in laws: Dolores Johnson, Geraldine and Ed Soder, Dave Rae, Wilfred Gerla; his nephews: Kevin Wilhelm, Bruce Gerla, Conrad Wilhelm; and nieces: Lisa Wilhelm, Leah Rutledge, and Debbie Lynn Wilhelm. Prayers were held on Friday, April 1, 2016, at 7:00 pm, in the St. Joseph Roman Catholic Church, Vanguard with Carolann Buehler presiding. Mass for the celebration of his life was held at St. Joseph Roman Catholic Church, Vanguard, on Saturday April 2, 2016, at 11:00 a.m., with Father Guy Amedee Ainemon officiating. Special music ministry was given by Tom and Gloria Dennehy. Selected readings were given by Natasha Jahnke and James Burton. Offerings were by his grandchildren. The Prayers of Intentions were led by Tracy Haack. The Communion Ministers were Darla Wilhelm and Jim Lawson. The Pallbearers were all the grandchildren. The ushers were Wayne Gerla, Todd Wilhelm, Dean Haack and Gary Hornung. Interment followed at St. Matthias/Gooding Cemetery. Donations may be made in George’s memory to St. Joseph Parish, Box 207, Vanguard, SK S0N 2V0 or masses would be gratefully received. Funeral arrangements entrusted to Piche-Hawkins-Grondin Funeral Chapels, Assiniboia & Gravelbourg.